SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
TNT Breaks Through Rain Or Shine, Moves Closer To Historic PBA Season Sweep
PBA Images
TNT Tropang Giga moved a step closer to cementing a place in PBA history, finally overcoming a stubborn Rain or Shine side, 97–89, on Sunday to clinch their Philippine Cup semifinals series, 4–2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, TNT booked the first ticket to the championship round, where they await the winner of the Game 7 showdown between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer on Wednesday. Regardless of who emerges, the Tropang Giga are now just four wins away from a rare season sweep — a feat only four other teams in league history have achieved, most recently San Mig Coffee in 2014.
For a team that began the conference with an 0–3 record, TNT’s remarkable turnaround has been as much about resilience as talent. Head coach Chot Reyes credited his squad’s focus and unity for navigating a season riddled with injuries and setbacks.
“By keeping our eyes on the prize,” Reyes said after the game. “All we wanted was to give ourselves a chance. After 0–3, we just thought about making the playoffs, not even about having a twice-to-beat advantage. We figured, whoever we needed to beat — even if it meant beating them twice — we’d be ready to do it.
“Everyone chipped in, stepped up. Unfortunately, we had all those injuries, but as you saw today, these guys, they don’t know the meaning of quit.”
Indeed, two players who epitomized that no-quit attitude were Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who atoned for their lackluster Game 5 outing in spectacular fashion. After combining for just seven points in Friday’s loss, the duo spearheaded a decisive 14–2 run late in Game 6 to break an 80–80 deadlock.
Heading led all TNT scorers with 29 points, while Ganuelas-Rosser added 17. Glenn Khobuntin delivered another workmanlike performance with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Kim Aurin chipped in 13. Even though usual scoring leader Calvin Oftana was held to 12 points, he sparked the crucial run with an acrobatic three-point play while falling to the floor under heavy contact.
From there, Heading and Ganuelas-Rosser took over, combining for 11 straight points to open up a 94–82 cushion that Rain or Shine never recovered from.
On the other end, Caelan Tiongson capped an impressive rookie campaign with 30 points to lead Rain or Shine, while Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum added 15 and 11, respectively. But the Elasto Painters simply ran out of steam after staying within striking distance for most of the night.
Now, TNT sets its sights on the finals, with history well within reach. One more series, four more wins — and the Tropang Giga can complete a season sweep few thought possible back when they were 0–3 and reeling.
As Reyes put it: “We just wanted to give ourselves a chance. And now, here we are.”
With the win, TNT booked the first ticket to the championship round, where they await the winner of the Game 7 showdown between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer on Wednesday. Regardless of who emerges, the Tropang Giga are now just four wins away from a rare season sweep — a feat only four other teams in league history have achieved, most recently San Mig Coffee in 2014.
For a team that began the conference with an 0–3 record, TNT’s remarkable turnaround has been as much about resilience as talent. Head coach Chot Reyes credited his squad’s focus and unity for navigating a season riddled with injuries and setbacks.
“By keeping our eyes on the prize,” Reyes said after the game. “All we wanted was to give ourselves a chance. After 0–3, we just thought about making the playoffs, not even about having a twice-to-beat advantage. We figured, whoever we needed to beat — even if it meant beating them twice — we’d be ready to do it.
“Everyone chipped in, stepped up. Unfortunately, we had all those injuries, but as you saw today, these guys, they don’t know the meaning of quit.”
Indeed, two players who epitomized that no-quit attitude were Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who atoned for their lackluster Game 5 outing in spectacular fashion. After combining for just seven points in Friday’s loss, the duo spearheaded a decisive 14–2 run late in Game 6 to break an 80–80 deadlock.
Heading led all TNT scorers with 29 points, while Ganuelas-Rosser added 17. Glenn Khobuntin delivered another workmanlike performance with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Kim Aurin chipped in 13. Even though usual scoring leader Calvin Oftana was held to 12 points, he sparked the crucial run with an acrobatic three-point play while falling to the floor under heavy contact.
From there, Heading and Ganuelas-Rosser took over, combining for 11 straight points to open up a 94–82 cushion that Rain or Shine never recovered from.
On the other end, Caelan Tiongson capped an impressive rookie campaign with 30 points to lead Rain or Shine, while Andrei Caracut and Adrian Nocum added 15 and 11, respectively. But the Elasto Painters simply ran out of steam after staying within striking distance for most of the night.
Now, TNT sets its sights on the finals, with history well within reach. One more series, four more wins — and the Tropang Giga can complete a season sweep few thought possible back when they were 0–3 and reeling.
As Reyes put it: “We just wanted to give ourselves a chance. And now, here we are.”
Jul 7, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
